In Depth:  Pilgrims’ Friend Society

A Ten Minute Rule Bill put to Parliament in November outlined the need for legislation to close loopholes that allow fraudsters to dupe susceptible people into marriage or civil partnership for their wealth.

It was prompted by the growing number of elderly people with dementia who ‘fall victim to scammers’ and get married to them, thereby making void their will and disinheriting their families.

Residents and supporters celebrated the end of a two-year redevelopment of the Pilgrims’ Friend Society’s (PFS) care site in Evington, Leicester with a tape cutting ceremony and a service at Wycliffe United Reformed Church on 7 October.

The church was packed for the thanksgiving service. Roger Hitchings, retired pastor of East Leake Evangelical Church, spoke on building spiritual strength throughout life so that old age could be enjoyed whatever your circumstances; that ‘as your days, so shall your strength be’ (Deuteronomy 33.25).

The Pilgrims’ Friend Society’s (PFS) retirement housing in Evington, Leicester, was given the country’s Best Housing Project of the Year award in early April at a ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.

The Building Awards is one of the most respected events in the built environment calendar. Run by Building Magazine, the award is for excellence and outstanding performance in the built category. Eight projects in the category had been shortlisted, and Pilgrim Gardens was the clear winner.